This Creamy Waldorf Salad recipe has apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and a wonderful sweet dressing. Wonderful for brunch, summer time, the holidays, or any time! Serve in bowls or on Bibb lettuce.
It was hot last week in Northern California, topping out at 91 degrees one day. In typical fashion, we skipped spring and went right on into summer. So, we dug out our shorts and also bathing suits!
I also made a bunch of salads. Making a Waldorf Salad has been on my bucket list for ages, so now I can check that off.
What is Waldorf Salad
This salad was first served at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in 1893 for a charity event, thus the name. Then in 1896, the salad appeared in Oscar of the Waldorf’s Cookbook, by Oscar Tschirky, who was the maître d’ of the hotel and credited for this salad creation.
Originally the salad only included apples, celery, mayonnaise, salt and pepper. The grapes and nuts came much later.
Waldorf Salad Recipe
For Waldorf salad ingredients, you only need a short list of items. (Scroll down for the detailed printable recipe.) Here’s a brief rundown:
- Waldorf salad dressing: cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and granulated sugar
- Fruit and vegetables: Granny Smith apples, red grapes, and celery
- Nuts: walnuts, ideally toasted for added flavor
- Bibb Lettuce: this is optional. It can be served in bowls or on lettuce.
How to Make Waldorf Salad
It’s so easy to make this salad!
- You simply whisk together all the dressing ingredients until combined and smooth. (I do this using an electric mixer to make sure it’s super creamy and everything is well incorporated.)
- Add in the fruit, celery, and toss to coat.
- That’s it! Enjoy right away or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Can you make Waldorf salad in advance? You can, but this salad is best served the same day you make it. The longer it sits, the dressing will separate and start to get runny.
Recipe Variations
Over the years, like so many classic recipes, it’s been altered. Everyone has their favorite version of the Waldorf Salad! This is my favorite, but here are some ways to change it up, if you prefer.
- Use additional yogurt instead of mayo (if you do, though, I would suggest adding a touch of honey to balance out the tart yogurt flavor)
- Swap out the apples for pears
- Replace the celery with jicama
- Add in some raisins
- Toss in some chopped up roasted chicken breast
NOTE: Keep in mind that if you add ingredients, instead of replacing, you may need to make extra dressing.
Storing Leftovers
How long does Waldorf salad keep? As mentioned above, this salad is best served the same day you make it. However, it will keep in the fridge, in an airtight container up to 3 days. Keep in mind, the longer it sits, the dressing will separate and start to get runny. Stir to incorporate everything again before serving.
Can you freeze Waldorf salad? No, sorry. Once thawed the fruit will be mushy and the dressing will be a runny mess.
This salad is adapted from my Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad
Watch it Being Made
Other Classic Salad Recipes
I hope you love this quick and simple recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Creamy Waldorf Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces cream cheese , softened
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples , cubed
- 1 cup red grapes , cut in half
- 3/4 cup sliced celery
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
- Bibb lettuce, for serving, optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together (or beat with an electric mixer) the cream cheese, yogurt, mayonnaise, and sugar until combined and smooth.
- Add in the apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts; toss to coat.
- Enjoy right away or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve in bowls or on Bibb lettuce.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Other Notes
I did not mix the dressing into the salad, but spooned it over the middle. This allowed guests to eat the undressed fruit…which made many guests happy.
Served this at a baby shower and everyone loved it and asked for the recipe. Thank you!
YUMMY!!
This was wonderful! So delicious and easy to make. Great flavor contrast.
Love Waldorf salad. This was the first time I’d ever made the dressing with Greek yogurt and loved it!
Tried and loved the Waldorf salad!
Great recipe!
I accidently bought vanilla yogurt instead of plain will it still b ok?
Hi Debbie – I personally would not use vanilla yogurt, but it might be ok. Try it?